It’s obvious he wants to sleep with me, and I want it badly, too. Am I moving too fast? Going from friends to lovers is a big step, isn’t it?
Yours, Vibrant and No Longer Dumped
At least things were going well with her, unlike his present state where the woman he wanted was either playing hard-to-get or having doubts about the relationship.
Or maybe she wasn’t that into him.
That hurt.
Troy thumbed a message back to Vibrant.
Dear Vibrant,
You’re doing well, but you shouldn’t blow it by moving too fast. Kissing is good enough for now. No matter how eager he is to sleep with you, part of your mystique disappears once he’s bedded you.
Besides, you’re already exhibiting unhealthy attachment by thinking of a more permanent arrangement, like being his fiancée or belonging to him forever.
I advise you to stick with kissing for now. Let him work to get from first to second base. It’s too easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new relationship. I get that, but now is not the time to throw caution to the wind.
Best of all luck, Dr. T
He hit the send icon with relish. After all, if he wasn’t getting any nookie, then this stranger had to suffer along with him. How serious could Vibrant be with him if she was turning to Dr. T for advice at every turn?
Troy’s balls were already blue, and if he had his way, every pair of balls in Sapphire Falls would join him in being very, very blue this Christmas.
Chapter Ten
“I screwed up already.” Candi held up her phone and showed it to Honey. “Troy cancelled dinner with his mother.”
“I’m sorry.” Honey read the message. “He says his mother’s not feeling well, and it’s probably true.”
“I might have been too forward with him.” Candi scrolled through her Dr. T messages. “Look at this one. Dr. T says I’m displaying unhealthy attachment symptoms. Meeting his mom is a big step. Maybe Troy was testing me to see if I’d agree to go. I tried to get out of it. I did. But he started talking about how we were meant to be, and I sort of got carried away with the fantasy.”
“Dr. T is full of crap.” Honey shook her head. “If Troy says his mother’s not feeling well, that’s just it. Besides, now you can check off another item on your list. He’s family oriented and loyal. He put his mother in front of a mere physical attraction, since as you claim, he only wants to sleep with you.”
“What’s that?” Max walked into the kitchen after putting the two toddlers down for their afternoon nap.
“Troy cancelled dinner with Candi because of his mother,” Honey said.
“Oh …” Max reached into the refrigerator and grabbed a beer. “I’d better get back to the game.”
“Hold it.” Honey snagged him by the sweater. “You know something, don’t you?”
“Sorry. Bro code. If he doesn’t want Candi to know, I’m not spilling.”
“That’s very honorable of you,” Honey said. “But if he’s going to hurt my sister, then it’s my business.”
“I’m not hurt. I swear.” Candi put her hands up. “It’s all good. There are plenty of other men in Sapphire Falls, and I’m going to get on with my scavenger hunt. I’ll get out of your way. You two enjoy the game or whatever you do when the kids are napping.”
She’d seen one of Carol Caine’s nutcrackers at a gift shop she’d visited earlier in the week. She could get it there, and not bother Troy. In fact, if she studied her list, she could buy most of the items.
Peppermint Booze from the liquor store.
Candy cane from the Christmas tree lot, where there was a tree labeled, Kate and Levi’s Tree.
Santa’s boxers from the only clothing store in town, Julie’s Apparel.
Healing Desires essential oils from Hope Bennett’s natural healing shop.
German Chocolate Cake Fudge from Scott’s Sweets where there was a cooler named “Mrs. Bennett’s Fridge.”
When she was at the mayor’s office, she’d noticed stockings filled with lumps of coal attached to maps of the town. They were obviously greeting cards to visitors, and they had a list of businesses to visit for a treasure hunt.
The only item she couldn’t find would be the last one Honey tacked on—the new boyfriend. That was obviously Honey and Max’s idea to set her up with Troy.
Oh, and the skeleton key, but that had to be at the haunted house.
She put on her bright pink parka, ear muffs, and boots. She’d go for a walk and enjoy the afternoon. She’d already had a banner day with Troy. The dancing, the kissing, and even the dinner invitation were great on their own and didn’t need to lead to anything beyond her time here. Let Troy talk about a relationship. It could be his way of easing the way into her bed. Men had been known to dangle engagements and future marriage to bed women. She’d fallen for some of them in the past. Smooth players who knew how to prey on a woman’s heart.
The afternoon was brisk and cold, but sunny. Candi walked down Plum Street, admiring the Christmas decorations and waving to the children playing outside. Everyone was friendly, and quite a few people asked her about the upcoming wedding. Seemed like the entire town was invited.
Part of her envied Honey, who had found a hometown and a place to belong. Her sister deserved happiness after the two plus years she and Max were divorced. All the heartache she’d been through was worth it to have the happy family at the end.
What had Candi’s heartache gotten her?
A big fat nothing.
It had all been one-sided. Story of her life.
She strolled across the square and located a crafts booth. Among the items for sale were grouchy looking nutcrackers. All of them had dark hair, broody eyebrows, and bright blue eyes.
They were handcrafted and painted. No two were alike, wearing different soldier outfits and insignia. Candi went through the display looking for one that resembled Troy the most.
She finally found one wearing a black and red checked uniform, and was about to pay for it when a man’s voice ordered, “Put that back. I have one picked out for you.”
Spinning around, she found Troy grinning at her. He dangled a nutcracker figure that had a smile instead of a frown on his face.
“Hey,” was the only word from her mouth.
“Hey, yourself.” He pressed the nutcracker into her hands. “I painted this one myself.”
“You put a smile on his face?”
“Of course. He knew he was going to be yours.”
“You’re putting a smile on my face, too.” She looked at the little figurine and noticed his initials marked on the bottom of its feet. A “T” and a “C.”
“I’m glad.” He took her hand and looped it through the crook of his arm. “Sorry about cancelling dinner.”
“Don’t worry about it. How’s your mother feeling?”
“She’ll be better once she gets some sleep. I put on a crockpot for her. What have you been up to?”
“Figuring out that this scavenger hunt is for the Sapphire Falls Chamber of Commerce. All of it can be found at the stores and businesses. Start at the mayor’s office for the treasure hunt map, then go to the Come Again for a sprig of mistletoe. Stop at the Christmas tree lot for a candy cane, Scott’s Sweets for the frosting and fudge.”
“Smart cookie, I mean, Candi.”
“Except for the blue balls and skeleton key. I’m sure Honey made up the blue balls for you, and I still have no clue about the skeleton key. That seems like a holdover from Halloween.”
“Maybe. Want to find it now?” He wiggled his eyebrows, grinning and looking so heartbreakingly handsome that Candi’s heart ached.
“Sure. Give me some clues.”
“Where do you think skeletons lie?” He steered her toward the haunted house.
“In graves.”
“Ugh, well, if they had a key, they wouldn’t be in a grave.” He chuckled. “We’re not going to a cemetery. Where else?”
“Coffins. I have no c
lue. Maybe it’s a ploy to visit the town undertaker?”
“Beep.” He took out a key as they walked up the steps leading to the old haunted mansion. “I’m going to be playing Dear Santa here at the party on Friday.”
“How convenient.”
“I’ll show you the official key location, but you’re not getting a key, except from me.” He took her list and ripped it up, then stuffed the remnants into his pocket.
“Hey, why’d you do that?”
“I want to be your tour guide and give you the inside edition. I hope you’ll never forget this Christmas, no matter where you go.”
“I doubt I could forget any of this.” She couldn’t help smiling at the smirk he gave her, as he opened the old creaky wooden doors to the mansion. Troy was hitting all the right spots for her. He wanted to make things special and unforgettable for her. He was willing to slow things down to keep from hurting her, despite his raging attraction. He even took care of his mother when she needed him, but he came to look for her as soon as he could.
Dr. T was right. The right guy made everything so easy. The right guy didn’t hurt, didn’t make her worried, didn’t have her crawling up walls and biting her nails. The right guy gave her what she needed without her begging.
She took his hand and stepped into the lobby of the ancient house. It was beautifully decorated with wreaths, garlands, and tinsel. The interior was full of dark wood. Stained glass windows gave the sun slanting through a multicolored hue, and a grand chandelier hung above them sparkling with a blueish hue.
“This is spectacular,” Candi exclaimed. “I’ve never been inside a house this old.”
“They don’t make them like they used to.” Troy pulled her along through the parlor to a large open area. “The ballroom.”
The floor was polished hardwood, and mistletoe hung from every doorway. Music played in her head, and she ached to dance with him, picturing herself dressed as the belle of the ball, swirling and twirling in his arms.
“Will you dance with me at the ball?” she asked. Honey had told her the entire town plus tourists were invited. It would be the first Gala Ball for the town and everyone was looking forward to it.
His face turned down in a frown. “Unfortunately, I’m stuck doing Dear Santa.”
He pointed to a gaudily decorated gold throne festooned with mistletoe.
“Oh … Guess there’ll be plenty of gentleman to dance with me,” she said, trying to sound offhand. After all, no matter how dreamy Troy made her feel, she had to check the feelings of forever at the door. She would be going home to San Francisco two days after Christmas to pick up the pieces of her life and look for a job.
“Will you be my elf? I don’t think I can stand to see you dancing with other men.” Troy’s eyebrows drew down and he looked like all the broody nutcrackers at the craft booth.
“No, sorry. I don’t do elf.” Candi didn’t mean to be difficult, but seriously, she wasn’t in a relationship with Troy, no matter how tempting. “I’m sorry. I don’t mean to lead you on. I enjoy your attention and being with you, but this vacation is for Honey’s wedding.”
“Then I’m quitting the Santa gig. I never agreed to it.” He clamped her hand and led her off the dance floor. “Let me show you the skeleton key—the tourist version.”
“Won’t the children be disappointed?”
“It’s not the children who’ll be sitting in my lap. It’s the people who’ve been asking my advice almost all of December.” He brought her to the throne and pointed to a “Dear Santa” poster.
“You give advice? On what?” The poster showed Troy all sexy, without a big white beard, wearing a black and red checked woodsman shirt, partially unbuttoned and tight black jeans. About the only indication he was Santa was the red Santa’s hat hung at an angle on his square-jawed chiseled face.
“On love, what else?” He sighed. “Hailey Bennett’s big idea to attract lovesick women to Sapphire Falls and have them spending money at all the businesses in town.”
“Seriously? You give advice on love?” She giggled, unable to believe Troy, who didn’t seem to be able to get to first base with her, who did everything wrong, the following around, the texting, and being so transparent with his feelings, could possibly give anyone advice that worked.
“I signed up for this gig before meeting you, and now, I want to spend the rest of the time with you, not having other women whispering in my ear.”
She appreciated the sentiment. She did, but she had to let Troy down gently. They weren’t meant to be. He was only practice for her. It wasn’t that she wasn’t attracted to him. She’d jump his bones if she wasn’t trying to change her ways of dating and relating.
“Maybe it’s better if you keep your options open.” She squeezed his hand to let him know she wasn’t trying to hurt him. “You’ve come on so strong. It’s a little scary.”
“I’ll back off.” He rubbed the back of his neck, his shoulders slumped. “I don’t want to scare you.”
“It’s not you. It’s me.”
He sighed and looked everywhere but at her. “I can’t believe I’m hearing this.”
“I can’t believe I’m saying this. But I don’t want to lead you on. I’m not ready to settle down, especially in a small town. My business failed. I’ve ended my last relationship. I need to find my niche in life before hooking up with anyone.”
“This doesn’t make me feel better.” He looked so dejected like he wanted to drop into a hole and disappear.
It was exactly the way she’d felt when she was dumped. In the past, she’d dove head first into whatever romantic fantasy the men she’d been with had spun around her. She’d let great sex, attraction, and the dream of belonging to someone cloud her judgment and make her believe she was in love.
She couldn’t do that to anyone else, least of all a great guy like Troy.
Taking his hand, she leaned into him. “You once said you’d never hurt me. You don’t know how much that means to me. I want to do the same for you. I don’t want to ever hurt you. I want us to be great friends.”
“No man wants to be friend-zoned.” His voice was rough and thick. His frown was so deep, he resembled the grouchy nutcrackers. “We’ve gone too far for games.”
“I’m not playing a game.”
“I want to say it’s okay. But it’s not. What I feel for you is too strong.” Every muscle in his body was tense as he glowered at her.
“And that’s what’s so scary.” She backed away from him, darting glances at the dark corners inside the empty house—the haunted house.
“Love is scary, but sometimes you have to take the risk.”
“Not me.” Not when she had the tire marks to show for it.
“I can’t be your friend then.” His frown deepened the lines between his eyebrows. “I can’t compromise my feelings. Either we’re lovers, or we’re nothing.”
“Then I’ll have to let you go.” Her voice was choked through her tight throat. She reached out for one last hug. “Thanks for everything.”
“Right.” He didn’t hug her back.
She didn’t want to let him go.
Except she had to.
Once he found out how pathetic she was, he’d streak out of her life so fast, he’d leave his boxers standing on her bed.
Once dumped, always dumped. That was Boris’s parting shot to her.
Chapter Eleven
Troy couldn’t believe how his heart ached as he sat at the dinner table with his mother. She was better, and back to her inquisitive self. While he was getting dumped by Candi, his mother had had friends over, and they’d informed her about seeing him sneak into the haunted house with an attractive blonde.
“We’re only friends,” he said for the umpteenth time. Although that was a lie, too. He’d blown it with his ultimatum.
“Anne Wolff says you two seemed mighty cozy,” Mom said with a smug smile. “She thinks there might be German chocolate frosting in your future.”
“Id
le tongues. Candi is Honey’s sister. I’m the best man for the wedding, and she’s the maid of honor. I was showing her the site of the Gala Ball. She’s a dance instructor and the mayor asked her to get everyone ready for ballroom dancing, so I figured it would be good for her to see how large the room was and what she had to work with.”
“Yep. My boy’s in love.” Mom nodded annoyingly. “You never over-explain unless you’re trying to hide something.”
“How’s the lamb stew?” He gestured at her empty bowl in case she wanted another serving.
“It’s great. Shouldn’t you ask Candi over for dinner? I’d love to meet the gal who’s got my son tied up in knots.”
“She’s busy with wedding planning.” And she didn’t have him tied in knots. She had him bleeding out every vein.
“I heard you were taking her to the big Anniversary Bash at Kate and Levi Spencer’s place,” Mom babbled on.
“Actually, theirs isn’t the only Anniversary Bash,” Troy deflected. “Each of the three Bennett couples who got married the same day are having their own parties.”
“Wonderful. The more parties, the more Booze.”
“You. Can’t. Have. Any.” Troy’s voice tightened. “Promise me, Mom, or I’ll be your escort.”
“You’re with that pretty girl. I’ll stay out of your way.” His mother got up from the table and waddled to the dishwasher. “Why don’t you go out tonight? I’m sure you and Candi have a lot to do. I’ll retire to my room and let you young ones do whatever it is you do.”
Troy ate the rest of his stew in silence. Candi didn’t want him, not on his terms, and she was out painting the town red or blue or whatever color she chose. He’d heard from Max that she’d gone to the Come Again to meet men.
He wouldn’t do anything stupid, would he? Like charge over there and claim her. Like push her against a wall and kiss her senseless. Like throw her over his shoulder and drag her to his cave, and make love to her until she could no longer walk.
Sapphire Falls: Going Toe to Mistletoe (A Christmas Romance) (Kindle Worlds Novella) Page 7
